Women's Basketball begins region title defense with two wins in Levelland, Texas

LEVELLAND, Texas --- The Cochise Women's Basketball team began its region title defense this weekend in Levelland, TX for a two-game swing with South Plains and Midland College. The Apaches return six players from the previous roster that won the NJCAA Region Championship at Eastern Arizona College in the spring. Micayla Silas, Michelle Nkolo, Jessie Joaquim, Karolina Padilla, Ilona Lignon-Paul, and Laetitia Kamdoum all return to try and run it back with newcomer sophomore transfer Kaylyn Asberry, from St. Paul, MN, who transfers from Saint Peters University. The Apaches also welcomed incoming freshmen Gloria Maffoma'a, Lesline Penge, and Paule Nkwetchou, who all expect to make an immediate impact.

Friday, November 1st: Cochise 61, South Plains 57

On Friday evening at the Texan Dome in Levelland, South Plains busted open the doors to a 21-1 run over Cochise after the first quarter. The Apaches managed to regain control of the game scoring 19 points in the second quarter to cut the deficit to 20-31 at halftime. Cochise began the second half strong, scoring 19 more points, led by four 3-pointers from Silas. The Apaches eventually clawed back and defeated South Plains 61-57 back-and-forth affair. Silas was the leading scorer for Cochise, who was 8 for 17 with 23 points and four rebounds. Padilla followed with 13 points and two assists. 

Saturday, November 2nd: Cochise 66, Midland 57

Cochise continued its weekend on Saturday, taking on Midland College, which was a close contest until the end, but the Apaches ran away with a 66-57 win over the Chaps. Padilla was the leading scorer for Cochise, scoring 6 points for 11 and 18 points. Silas collected eight rebounds and 16 points with four assists. Nkwetchou dominated the board collecting 10 rebounds for the Apaches.

Up Next..

Cochise Women's Basketball (2-0) will host the first-ever Cochise Classic in Sierra Vista, AZ, at Buena High School on Friday/Saturday, November 15th & 16th. The Apaches will play Salt Lake College on the 15th at 7:00 pm and Phoenix College on the 16th at 3:00 pm.